I am currently immersed in two audio book series' and cannot wait for the next books to be available through my library.
The first series is the Bloody Jack books by L. A. Meyer. I've made it up through book 5 so far and am totally loving them. These are fun historical fiction that can make me laugh out loud but also shed a few tears. I never thought I'd like these books but now I can't get enough of them. Honestly, these are the books that pulled me out of my book rut a few months ago.
I also gave in and finally started the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon. I knew I'd love these but I didn't want to start another series just yet. Still, I finally gave in and WOW - how great are they?! I just finished book 2 and can I just say "cliffhanger"?! This is historical fiction of a completely different type from the Bloody Jack books and I'm enjoying it in a completely different way.
I'll share my thoughts on each series when I get to the last books in each, but meanwhile I'm wondering if you are fans of these books as well? If not, what's stopping you from giving them a shot?!
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21 comments:
I hadn't heard of the Bloody Jack series. Had to look it up on Goodreads. Are they like Harry Potter--aimed at that age group--but only about pirates, etc.? I may have to consider reading them.
Now about Outlander. I started reading the first book several years ago. I was actually listening to it on audio and I had to take it back to the library before I could finish it, then I had no luck checking it out again. Years later and I still haven't finished the first book. And I was loving it too so you explain to me why I haven't picked it up again. LOL! I do own the entire series and plan to read them all someday, but I might be 80 years old. =O)
Sorry I haven't written back about Big Love. I didn't forget. Just have been busy. I won't say anything here, just in case someone hasn't seen it yet.
I read several of the Gabaldon books and loved them. I think that I didn't continue because I really loved who the series started with, Jamie and Clare, but increasingly it seemed as if the books were more about her daughters and other people. I'll be watching to see what you think to see if this is indeed the case. I read them pre-blogging, so who knows. I might have stopped reading for some other reason.
So you've tasted the kool-aid that's Gabaldon?? I love her books and have both read and listened to the entire series. Yes, I'm just that nuts.
I'm glad to know about the Bloody Jack books because they are new to me. Always nice to hear about a new series.
I read OUTLANDER many years ago and then meant to continue the series. I didn't for some reason and so a couple of years ago, I read OUTLANDER again with the same aim. I still haven't continued. Perhaps I need to change to audio and then I might continue. :-)
I just finished the first Outlander book and am holding back until summer to get the rest because I know once I start I will read them all. And they are so long. It is so hard to wait!
Michelle - The Bloody Jack books ARE more of a YA-type book, but I don't know that I'd compare them to Harry Potter. The stories are all based solidly around historical realities but at the same time they are fun to read. Some of the books are better than others (of course) but I have REALLY enjoyed them so far. As for Outlander, I can't imagine not finishing it once I'd started! AAAHH! (And no worries about Big Love - you see how long it took me to watch it!)
Nicole - I'm only up to book 3 in the Gabaldon books so I can't say for sure, but I'll let you know as I continue reading.
Beth F - Why yes, yes I have. ;) And I could see myself both reading and listening to this series again - I've been known to do that in the past.
Kay - The audio is very well done! Davina Porter narrates, and I've enjoyed her work in the past. You should definitely give it a shot in audio format!
mightnightblooms - I did the same thing, waiting until after I got laid off to start reading b/c I didn't have enough time to dedicate to the books before then. I hope you do get to them this summer though!
Funny, I've had the same experience with Outlander as some of the other commenters. I read about 300-400 pages, but then just got stalled. I do like it... then I picked it up again a year later and got stalled again. I'm not sure why, but I'm guessing because it's long. I do not do well with finishing long books because I am so reading ADD.
Yay! I'm so glad that you are enjoying the Outlander series. It is certainly one of my favorites. I think it might be interesting to listen to them. I'll have to look into that.
I love the Outlander books! I've read the series many times (I've lost count how many). This year I've been listening to the audio versions for the first time, and they are lovely productions. I just started listening to the fourth book yesterday.
I've been checking the audio books out from the library and most of them are split into two cases, so you can only check out half the book at a time. The worst thing is when you are halfway through and then have to wait over a month for the next people on the hold list to finish the second half. Nevermind that I actually own all of the books - the whole point is listening to them this time around. :)
Ooo I haven't read these yet. I've been meaning to read Outlander series but haven't heard of Bloody Jack books. Looks like something I'd enjoy.
Oh my gosh I got addicted to the Outlander series back in college, and yes once you pick them up you can't put them down! Glad to hear the audio is just as good!
Sarah - It IS a long book, but I usually read epic fantasy that is just as long if not longer, so maybe that's why the length didn't bother me. Have you tried listening to the audio version? That might be good for your reading ADD. :)
Teresa - I highly recommend the audio - the narrator is fabulous, and the story lends itself to being read aloud.
Alyce - Wow, that's different from my library! When I request the book I get both halves of it (even though they are in 2 cases). And there is no limit to the # of books I can have on hold, so I go ahead and put the next 2 or 3 on my hold list so they are all ready when I want them. I think your library's way would drive me batty!
Amanda - You will LOVE Outlander! Bloody Jack is more YA and very different than Outlander but also very good in it's own way. Definitely give those a shot too.
Amused - Yeah, I CANNOT wait for the next Outlander book to come in at the library - I'm dying to know what happens next!
I have heard so much about the Outlander series but still haven't read the books!
Kathleen - They are sort of historical romance - not what I usually read but very VERY entertaining.
Bloody Jack does sound interesting. I've also read the first book Outlander by Gabaldon and was sold. However, haven't gotten around to reading the rest of the series yet. Enjoy!
Robin - There were several times when the Bloody Jack books made me burst out laughing while I was driving someplace ... good thing I was in the car alone, or Kiddo and Hubby would think I was nuts. :)
How great are the Gabaldon books indeed, especially the first few! I envy people who are getting to discover them for the first time!
Marg - I'm having such a great experience with them - can't wait to get to the next one.
The Outlander books are awesome! I lost speed after the third one, but the 1st one is so engrossing. You gotta love a man in a kilt!
~Melissa
SOOO glad you're on the Outlander bus...And look at me! I'm on the Wheel of Time bus. I'm just finishing book 3! Go us! Look how we influence each other!
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